Boerne Chapter

Boerne Chapter Named Chapter of the Year!

We’re excited to share some wonderful news — the Boerne chapter has been named Chapter of the Year by the Native Plant Society of Texas!

This recognition celebrates our chapter’s ongoing commitment to promoting the conservation, research, and use of native plants and plant habitats across Texas through education, outreach, and leading by example. From meaningful conservation projects to engaging community programs, our members continue to bring the NPSOT mission to life.

In 2025 alone, chapter members devoted countless volunteer hours to habitat restoration projects, maintenance of demonstration gardens, educational workshops, and a wide variety of outreach efforts — including native plant sales, field trips, and assistance with pollinator gardens. The dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers truly made the difference.

This honor feels especially meaningful as we also celebrated our 25th anniversary this year. The milestone was marked with a series of special events. Highlights included the grand opening of a native plant seed library at the Patrick Heath Public Library; a native plant art show featuring local artists; the creation of a special native plant book section at the library; guided tours of the Boerne City Campus Natural Area; a Chamber of Commerce After Hours mixer introducing NPSOT to chamber members; and a festive 25th anniversary celebration at our October membership meeting.

“The work that the members do in the community is impressive and clearly exemplifies our mission,” said Laura Leggett, NPSOT President. “Add to that all of the special events that were held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the chapter and you arrive at Chapter of the Year!”

Thank you to every member and volunteer who helped make this possible. This award belongs to all of you, and we look forward to continuing our work to advance native plant conservation across Texas. 

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason